Review ~ "My Loving Vigil Keeping" by Carla Kelly

My Loving Vigil Keeping by Carla Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre:  Historical Romance with and LDS emphasis

Book Description: Della's giving up all the comforts of bustling Salt Lake City to teach school in a rural coal mining camp. Little does she know, she may soon be giving up her heart as well. But when tragedy strikes in the Scofield Mine, Della's life is changed forever. Based on true events, this thrilling new romance from award-winning and bestselling author Carla Kelly is a must-read!

My thoughts:  My Loving Vigil Keeping is a historical romance taking place from 1899-1900. The story takes place in Winter Quatters, a mine near Scofield, Utah. I was unaware of this particular place or the events associated with it.

Della accepts a job to be a school teacher in this remote settlement. She has been emotionally abused and neglected by her Uncle and his wife. Her father was a miner and died in the mine when she was 13 years old. The mining life is something she if familiar with and she goes to help the children of the miners, because she remembers what it was like.

The miners are mainly immigrants from many different cultures and countries. I loved the diversity portrayed and how the families of the miners loved and supported each other. They were very inspirational to me.

I particularly loved the use of  words from  Wales in the book. I know a little weird, but I have always been fascinated and loved learning about people from Wales. My Great-Grandmother was an immigrant from Wales and I remember her stubbornness fondly. It brings a bit more of a longing to find out more about the people and culture.

For me that is always a plus when a book helps you want to learn more.

The story is sweet, sad, funny, and inspirational. I was literally brought to tears at some points and shaking my head or chuckling at others.

This book is beautifully written. I felt as if I were in that desolate canyon with the characters. I could practically picture it in my mind. I grew to love the characters and had empathy for their trials.